Dumbphones

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Smartphones dominate the world. But have we become smarter by using them?

This community is oriented for people who prefer either so-called "dumbphones" or "feature phones" in order to regain control of their life.

Here is a very simple set of rules to follow:

Don't be rude to others.
Don't harass or shame somebody for not being hardcore dumbphones fan. Everybody does it his own way.
Keep this community simple: discussions must be dumbphone or smartphone-oriented, not about dogs or food.

All in all, enjoy your time here :D

founded 2 years ago

Looking to Switch in 2025 (lemmy.blahaj.zone)

submitted 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by [email protected] to c/dumbphones

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As the title says, I'm looking to upgrade to a dumb phone. I feel like I get too easily distracted by a smart phone, and I need something that can help mitigate that while still being functional in the modern world.

My research has led me to a few options, but I'm new to this and it can be hard to figure out if they have what I actually need.

I'm looking for a phone with a camera. It needs to be able to send images through text. I also need a 4g connection, GPS, and the ability to use a navigational app. If the only available phones with Maps must have a touchscreen, that is fine, though I would prefer a phone without pretty lights I can touch.

So far, it seems like the Nokia 2780 Flip and the Cat S22 are what I need.

Does anyone have experience with these? Is there a better option that fits my needs?

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[–] Dolphinfreetuna 3 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

I have a Pixel 8 with bare minimum apps, like the ones you mentioned, and it functions like a dumb phone.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Check out the Light Phone III. It has everything you requested. I’ve got Light Phone II, and I love it.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 days ago (2 children)

It's interesting for sure, but it doesn't seem to be out yet. On top of that, the price tag is twice what I paid for my current smartphone.

They seem to design for longevity, but I know phones don't have to be expensive like that.

Maybe I'm searching for a unicorn here, but do you know any lower price alternatives?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago

All dumbphones are niche (luxury) devices, usually developed by a small team and manufactured in low-volume batches. Companies like Light are not offsetting development and manufacturing costs by selling you subscription services and serving ads. They’ve got a bona fide incentive to keep you as a customer by providing exceptional hardware and software. But everyone’s definition of what’s worth it varies, so only you can decide ;)

[–] mesamunefire 2 points 4 days ago

Most lithium will fail after 10 years or so best case. So unless they have replaceable batteries, eventually it will fail.

[–] CrayonRosary 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Looking to Switch in 2024

Are you a time traveler?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 days ago

Hahaha, after a day of looking up phones with (2024) in their model names, it really rubbed off on me 😭